After 6 years on Instagram, you can bet that I’ve made every single mistake in the rule book. I want to share some of those rookie mistakes with you, along with some tactics to help you avoid them when you’re sharing your next Instagram post.

Mistake #1: Lacking a business goal driven strategy

When it comes to Instagram marketing, one of the biggest rookie mistakes I’ve seen is the lack of a business goal behind all of the efforts in maintaining a social media presence.

For example, if your goal is to drive more traffic to your website, then the copy needs to be engaging with a clear call-to-action.

Or if you would like to increase brand awareness, then you need to create higher quality images to share your content on a regular basis and use the most engaging hashtags.

Takeaway: A clear business goal driven Instagram strategy will help you create content that will get you results.

Mistake #2: No call-to-action link to drive traffic

According to a recent study by Iconosquare, 62% of Instagram users follow a business and brand, which makes the opportunity to drive users back to your website very valuable.

Compared to other social media platforms, Instagram only allows one link in your bio (and link in your Instagram Stories, for those who have it).

You need to take advantage of this feature, and make use of the traffic driving opportunity for your website.

To add a link in your profile, go to “Edit Profile” and add your website address in the “Website” box, then save.

Takeaway: A clear call-to-action link on Instagram can help drive valuable traffic to your website.

Mistake #3: Inconsistent and confusing Instagram bio

Your Instagram bio is your most important piece of Instagram real estate. It is the first thing people read when they find your Instagram account.

Sometimes this might be all the information someone needs in order to follow you.

You bio photo should be clear and bright, or use the logo mark of your company logo if you are a brand.

Include your email address so that potential partners and customers can contact you.

Keep your bio short and succinct, with important information about what you do and your offer.

Lastly, use emojis to convey what you would like your followers to feel. Emojis break up a normally boring bio of text and draws people in with visual imagery. Instagram is all about visual images, so why not incorporate some emojis!

Takeaway: Include a clear and attractive Instagram bio that will leave your potential followers wanting more.

Mistake #4: Making your Instagram account private

One of the biggest turn-offs for new visitors to your Instagram account is a private account.

You can lose a lot of followers by setting your account to private. It is absolutely fine if you are posting to a personal account and you only want to connect with those who have access to your private profile.

But, if you are looking to take advantage of Instagram’s massive potential audience for your brand, then you’ll need to set your account to public.

Takeaway: Avoid setting the Instagram account to private to attract new potential followers.

Mistake #5: Lacking a clear hashtag research process and strategy

I used to just pick some random hashtags that might be vaguely relevant to the photo I’m posting, then put them up all in my caption and wish for the best.

Your hashtags for each Instagram photo can’t be an after thought! It’s one of the most and only ways for cold audiences to find your content, and you need to curate your hashtags carefully to attract the right audience and followers.

Once you have prepared your photo for posting, make sure to find high-quality hashtags in Instagram by researching the ones that your successful competitors are already using.

Over time, you would’ve built up a bank of hashtags for each category of content you are posting. Save it in the notepad of your phone, and post it as a second comment underneath your caption.

Takeaway: Research your hashtags to curate a following of highly engaged audiences.

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About Laurie

Laurie is an award-winning digital marketer who gets businesses seen by audiences that are hungry for their products or services. Her knowledge and understanding of the digital landscape have benefited an eclectic mix of clients from young start-ups to FTSE 100 giants, from Google to global advertising agency Ogilvy. In 2017, she was named by the British Interactive Media Association as a top Rising Star in the Digital industry.